NMEA 0183 devices can be connected to a computer via a USB gateway or multiplexer that has been designed for that purpose. A gateway provides a single input and output whereas a multiplexer provides several inputs and one or more outputs.
Although an NMEA 0183 device can be connected directly to a serial port, this is not recommended since the NMEA uses V.11 (RS-422) signals and serial ports use V.28 (RS-232) signals. The two can inter-work, but reliability cannot be guaranteed.
Most of these devices use serial-USB interface chips made by just two manufacturers: FTDI & Prolific. Both these chip makers provide Windows & Mac OS X device driver downloads on their web sites.
| Model | Vendor | Type | Linux | Windows | Mac OS X |
| Ocenav ATM105 | Ocenav | Mux | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MiniPlex-USB(-AIS) | ShipModul | Mux | Yes, FTDI driver | Yes, with driver | Yes, with driver |
| Boatcontroller | PCnautic | RPI mux | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USG-1 | Actisense | GW | Yes, with driver | ||
| NM42U | Noland | Mux | Yes | ||
| NMEA,Seatalk,AIS,USB | gadgetPool.de | Mux | Yes | Yes, with driver | Yes, with driver |
| magicPlex8 | www.nomatronics.com | Mux | Yes,Ethernet | Yes, Ethernet | Yes,Ethernet |
For example, the ATM 105 will simplify your wiring with integration of Nmea0183, Nmea 2000 and Seatalk with Wifi converter. Interconnect all instruments. 3 Models to choose from. Compatible with all major manufacturers (Raymarine, Garmin, Simrad, Lowrance, Furuno, B&G, NKE, VDO) sending data to all mobile apps. They allow pilot control from navigation applications (OPENCPN, MaxSea, iSailor, etc …) in track mode, of Raymarine, Garmin, Simrad, B&G, etc. The optional ATM 105-B remote control allows control of the autopilot (small portable remote control attached to a neck lanyard). Also Ocenav ATM105 automatically calculates declination and “set and drift”.
Can send and receive information via its built-in wifi access point to communicate with applications on PC and Rapsberry (OPEN CPN, MAXSEA), tablet and smatphone (Weather 4D, Iregatta, EDO Instruments, SeaWi, NKE Display, Sailtracker) . That way, it turns these devices in real navigation equipment. (Up to 4 simultaneous devices). Additionally the kit can include Remote controls for Raymarine Seatalk, or B&G/Simrad, SimNet based autopilots (option).
Drastically simplify the wiring. Do it yourself.
David Clark reports:
Shipmodul MiniPlex3 Is a robust product which works beautifully out of the box, and provides wifi capability, Seatalk and NMEA2000 input/output. This will allow my instrumentation to slowly move to NMEA2000 equipment, if and when SeaTalk hardware starts to fail. With MiniPlex the existing SeaTalk and newer Nmea2000 Instruments are supported keeping everything talking together via the mux. Its a good solution. I really recommend it.
I now have three networks all linked via the MiniPlex:
I can now finally see AIS targets in OpenCPN, command the autopilot from the laptop, etc. Really can't say enough good things about the MiniPlex, although I've only had it for a few days. Their customer support is also highly responsive.
The MiniPlex-3 Series has a rich set of features and configuration options, enabling the user to tackle almost any NMEA bottleneck or interface problem. The supplied Windows utility MPX-Config3 allows full configuration of the multiplexer and monitoring of NMEA data passing through the multiplexer.
Boatcontroller RPI + Boards + Optional Modules. Easily connected to all your instruments, available data sent wirelessly via WiFi to your smartphone, tablet or PC. No longer switch between different WiFi connections/hotspots, and you can have access to the weather conditions while you navigate. BoatController has many connection options for your instruments and devices.